Jewelry Reflections
Splendid Sapphire
Sapphire is one of the four precious
gems (diamond, emerald and ruby are
the other three). It is the birthstone for
September and the Zodiac signs Pi-
sces, Taurus, Virgo and Sagittarius.
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. Trace
amounts of other elements such as iron, titanium, chro-
mium, copper or magnesium color the corundum blue,
yellow, purple, orange, green or pink. When chromium
impurities in corundum yield a red stone, it is called
ruby. Pure corundum has no traces of other elements
and is called white sapphire. When the trace elements
produce an orangey pink corundum, it is called pad-
paradscha which means lotus flower in Sinhalese, the
language spoken in Sri Lanka where stones of this color
were originally found.
Star sapphires contain intersecting needle-like inclu-
sions that cause the appearance of a six-rayed star. The
inclusion is often the mineral rutile. Star sapphires can
be any color from shades of blue to pink, orange, yellow,
green, lavender, gray or black. The most desirable color
is a vivid intense blue.
Color-change sapphire is a rare variety which exhibits
different colors in different light. The stones are blue
in outdoor light and purple under incandescent indoor
light.
Tradition holds that Moses was given the Ten Com-
mandments on tablets of sapphire, making it a sacred
gemstone. Ancient Persians believed sapphire gave
heaven its blue color. In ancient Greece and Rome,
kings and queens were convinced sapphires protected
them from envy and harm. Because sapphires represent
divine favor, they were the gemstone of choice for kings
and high priests. Ordinary people thought sapphires at-
tracted heavenly blessings.
Sapphires symbolize truth, compatibility, commitment
and mutual understanding which make them the perfect
gem for engagement rings. They are said to contribute
to mental clarity and perception. Sapphires are also be-
lieved to promote financial rewards.
For more about all kinds of gemstones, explore Jew-
elry Facets on my website: SlinkyLynnxChic.com.
– Lynn Schmitt
[email protected]
Celebrating 13 Years in the Country Club
~ Thank You!
“When you expect the best”
Joan DeLabio & Annie
12
September 2017 pccnews